Impulse: Runs in the Family

Impulse

by Mark Waid, Humberto Ramos (Illustrations)

The teenage grandson of the Flash, Impulse was born and raised in a "video game" virtual environment in the 30th century. But when the rash teenager was transported back to the 20th century, his entire life changed.

This humorous book profiles Impulse's earliest adventures in rural Alabama under the tutelage of elder speedster Max Mercury. Oblivious to the concept of actions having consequences, the reckless youth must come to terms with both his incredible powers and the absurd situations that their use can result in, all the while trying to cope with the insanity of high school. In this new edition of Impulse's adventures, the teen speedster meets teen villain White Lightning, Blockbuster, and, from the 30th century, Legion of Super-Heroes member XS.

Collects IMPULSE #1-6, 8-9 and 12-13.

Genres: Comics

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of different events all involving silly guy Impulse and his very much not uncle Max. The dynamic between these two is absolutely amazing, between Impulse being a little menace and Max doing absolutely nothing to stop him for being so (besides giving long-winded speeches). The last issue where Bart got to see what it's like to look after an impulsive kid with no sense of danger was adorable and a very funny flip.
The fact that he thinks in pictures so there's not that much dialogue but we still understand him so perfectly is amazing. The balance that they are able to walk between Bart being 4 years old but also a teen through these thoughts are amazing, but also I fully forget he can actually speak from time to time. Him learning everything at superspeed (especially writing in the first issue) is such a clever way of explaining why he's like a 14 year old just as much as he is literally 4. It's also just very endearing to read.
His friendship with his cousin (and also his only friendship) made me so happy and then subsequently so sad when she went back to the future. Please let Young Justice happen faster. Please grant Impulse some friends. He deserves them.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favourite comic books series. It is my top recommendation for anyone who asks what they should get for their kid. It's just perfect for what it is. It's not Watchmen. It's not The Dark Knight. It's a light-hearted romp exploring the pains of early teen years, being angry at your parents, saving your friends from pain, and rock n roll.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only got to read a snippet but boy was this sure a fun and quick read. If you have an iPod (just about any Ithing) you should download the DC comic app and read a snip of this for free. I can't wait till the whole thing comes out!

[Kris Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

These adventures make me think of early high school Pete, just protecting the town and learning more about what it means to be a hero. Very fun. I did skip the guest issue of 7 as it was eh, and issues 10 and 11 were read as part of Waid's The FLash as they do crossover.

Bart can be kind of a jerk, but he's learning, it's very anti-hero wrapped in a hero.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One star off for the dull Savitar storyline, but my goodness Bart Allen and Max Mercury are a gift to this earth. This is such a wholesome comic, but then strangely dark in some places. An all around joy to read these issues again.

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how he got his entire school to fight themselves by just being himself.

[Dylan-Nalani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll eat this up I love Bart Allen.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love bart allen more than i love life itself

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially love all the little thought bubbles that Bart has, usually involving Max...

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

five stars for the first 20 or so issues, -1 for everything after that. (really it should be more but i really like those first 20)